debate saying governor mitt romney's performance against the president could very well change the entire race. but how important are presidential debates and how much do they really shape the outcome in november? we heard a lot. joining me someone who has done research on polling impact of past debates. larry sabato, director of center for politics at the university of virginia. larry, historically speaking how big of a deal are the first debates really? >> well it can be a dig deal, jenna. of course governor christie was right. he got off message as you know because part of the amusing previous view to a presidential debate is the attempt by both sides to run down their own candidate. about how horrible a debater they are and the other side is so terrific. so governor christie may be committed a behalf by telling the truth. if you look historically, there is a pretty good chance that mitt romney can make up some ground. usually, not always, but usually the challenger to the incumbent just by standing on the stage and doing a credible job, can make up some ground against the incumbent. j

romney? a debate, fair and balanced ahead. tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 let's talk about that 401(k) you picked up back in the '80s. tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 like a lot of things, the market has changed, tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 and your plans probably have too. tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 at charles schwab, we'll give you personalized recommendations tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 on how to reinvest that old 401(k). tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 so talk to chuck tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 and bring your old 401(k) tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 into the 21st century. tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 rollover your old 401(k) tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 to a schwab ira tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 and you can receive up to $600. tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 see schwab.com tdd#: 1-800-345-2550 for terms and conditions. >> aouncer: meet tom, a proud dad whose online friends all "like" the photos he's posting. oscar likes tom's photos, but he loves the access to tom's personal information. oscar's an identity thief who used tom's personal fo to buy new teeth and a new car, and stuck tom with the $57,000 bill. [tires squeal] now meet carl who works from the coffee shop and us